The Great Trossachs Forest National Nature Reserve

While the current situation is keeping people indoors, the great outdoors will still be there waiting for you. If you’re looking forward to your next big adventure and an escape to the country, why not check out the Great Trossachs Forest. Click here for a virtual 360-degree tour here. The virtual tour features many sites in the park and you can check it out in 3 different seasons.

The Great Trossachs Forest National Nature Reserve is one of the UK’s largest nature reserves. It is part of a 200 year project to develop an area of 160 square kilometres with native woodland. 2.5 million trees have already been planted as part of the project. The area stretches from the eastern shores of Loch Lomond to the eastern end of Loch Venachar, with Loch Katrine and Loch Arklet inside the boundaries of the park. The aim of the project is to provide a managed forest area in which wildlife can thrive and visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Some of the wildlife that will benefit from the forests are black grouse, golden eagles, osprey, butterflies, pine martens, red squirrels, wild cats, deer, water voles and otters. Make sure that you take your binoculars and cameras with you as there is a good chance you will spot some of the local inhabitants.

As well as the abundant wildlife, the forest offers a great escape for visitors to the area. The Great Trossachs Path is a 30 mile route that begins in Callander and ends in Inversnaid. It also connects to the Rob Roy Way, the West Highland Way and the Three Lochs Way, meaning you will not be short of routes to explore. There are a number of shorter paths and circular walks that also form part of the trail, ranging from a mile to 10 miles depending on your ability and stamina.

The Great Trossachs Forest website has lots of information on the project and informative videos on the wildlife they are looking to conserve, restoring native woodland, and the impact the forest has had on artists throughout history. They also encourage visitors to share their wildlife sightings and photographs.